Island Park Ammenities

[MFTOD]

Anyone riden in IP out towards Yale Creek and Shotgun area? Curious what bars/restaurants are open this year. We are headed out at the end of the week and like to spend some $$ around at the bars but it is getting harder to do every year as most are closed.

Also, any updates on the fuel situation? Figure we will need to bring gas cans and drive it in from the 66.

Any info is appreciated!

Todd

 

[Jeff C]

Last year Shotgun was closed, and Lakeside had no gas or even good food as the restaurant was closed.

I would bring gas cans and go into the 66 station like you probably did last year

 

[muttyv]

So fuel is a concern out there? We are heading there from wisconsin on Feb 1. Staying in the Shotgun area Ponca Creek Inn.. How much of a hassle is fuel going to be? The person renting the cabin said there is a station about 5mi away..

 

[Jeff C]

So fuel is a concern out there? We are heading there from wisconsin on Feb 1. Staying in the Shotgun area Ponca Creek Inn.. How much of a hassle is fuel going to be? The person renting the cabin said there is a station about 5mi away..

That is correct, and it is the Phillips 66 station.

It is about 5 minutes away, so really it is not a hassle.

In years past, the shotgun store had gas, so did lakeside bar. It was really convenient, but I suspect both do not have it this year.

Just bring some cans with.

From our place near shotgun, we trailered everyday anyway (Because we did not want to ride trails to get to the base of some of the good riding), so getting gas was no big deal

 

[muttyv]

Thanks for the reply. How much trail riding is going to be required to get to some decent riding? If it's only a couple miles, no big deal. 20 miles on the other hand, blows. This is our first time in Island Park, go somewhere new every year. Does the 66 have ethanol free gas? Diesel for the pickup?

 

[Blk88GT]

muttyv, it depends what you like to ride. There is some good riding close to Shotgun if you like the steeper stuff. But almost everywhere else is a pretty good trail ride.

 

[Jeff C]

Thanks for the reply. How much trail riding is going to be required to get to some decent riding? If it's only a couple miles, no big deal. 20 miles on the other hand, blows. This is our first time in Island Park, go somewhere new every year. Does the 66 have ethanol free gas? Diesel for the pickup?

Well, that is a loaded question.

There is good riding right behind shotgun up past the developments.

To get to the Sawtelle area, which is great riding, it is a five mile groomed trail ride.

Most of the riding our group does however, starts at the end of the Yale Kilgore road where the plow stops plowing and there is a parking lot.

From our cabin we used to ride to the parking lot, but over the last several years, we now just trailer the sleds to the lot and go from there.

YOu will love it out there, especially if you have someone with you that knows how to get places...........

 

[mold]

bring lots of toilet paper, lots of arseholes

 

[muttyv]

Wont have anyone with us that knows the area, but i'm willing to explore. Are there many locals that hang around in the bars? I will probably try and convince them to bring us out. There was also a backcountry guide, forget the name, we were looking at getting for a day or two...

 

[Blk88GT]

Just be careful you don't get one of the locals who likes to drink more than ride to show you around. That was an interesting day

 

[Jeff C]

Thanks for the reply. ................ Does the 66 have ethanol free gas? Diesel for the pickup?

They do have Diesel, but we ran into a situation a few years ago there, where we were pumping diesel into one of our trucks and noticed that the pump was going really slow. Looked at the fuel flowing out of the nozzle and it looked as thick as a 7-11 slurpee. IT was half frozen!

Can you say Diesel 911?

 

[MFTOD]

Probably already been covered by now but I thought I would give an update now that we are back.

Gas: The Phillipps 66 is the closest place open this year, I saw 5 miles from Shotgun area mentioned above which is right on. Yes, they have Diesel so no worries there. If you are heading on the trails at all, easy to get fuel on the way out. If you are heading up Yale or Hotel Creek areas bring gas cans along.

Food/Drink: The Pines is open, good food and a decent little bar. The Ponds Saloon is open and great, good food and a fun bar tending staff. Heard that Lakeside is open again but we never made it over there, didn't come recommended from the locals. Still too bad the Shotgun isn't open anymore....for those who have been there, I still miss Tea Time (although my liver just shuddered)!

 

[Blk88GT]

I'm a big fan of The Pines and Trouthunter for food. Ponds is ok if you can live on grease!

 

[CROW]

You must be joking about the Pond's food. Last time I was there the food was amazing.

 

[mold]

You must be joking about the Pond's food. Last time I was there the food was amazing.

X2. Ponds food has come a long ways in the last few years. One of the best places to eat in IP.

 

[jetnier]

X3 We couldn't believe how Ponds had changed... thought we were at the wrong place when we walked in after the remodel! Best pizza around, although we still look forward to Connies prime rib, steaks, & bbq ribs at the IP Lodge... not to mention pretty good bar atmosphere!

 

[Blk88GT]

You must be joking about the Pond's food. Last time I was there the food was amazing.

Not joking. I don't like seeing my reflection in my breakfast

I haven't had dinner there since the remodel, only breakfast. Maybe I'll give it another shot....

 

[mold]

Not joking. I don't like seeing my reflection in my breakfast

I haven't had dinner there since the remodel, only breakfast. Maybe I'll give it another shot....

Interesting?!?! I really think you should give them another try. If you don't like your meal, I will pay for it.

 

[Blk88GT]

That's a hell of an offer.

Let's ride!

 

[801]

Not joking. I don't like seeing my reflection in my breakfast

I haven't had dinner there since the remodel, only breakfast. Maybe I'll give it another shot....

my family and Rich ate there last time we were up and it was really good a little spendy but good and almost more than we could eat~~ no complaints here~